From Fr. Kitsmiller

In today’s first reading from the book of Exodus, we see the Israelites grumbling in the desert against God and Moses as they are experiencing their first hardships of their journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. They want to go back to Egypt. That is sometimes the case with us as we move from slavery of sin to freedom in Christ. It can be hard to give up vice and sinful habits. This is part of our cross. Yet, the more we strive to live as Jesus wants us to do, the less of a burden we will feel. The Christian life is meant to be one of joy, not sorrow. Yet, it does require a little bit of struggle, like we have when we change our diet, begin an exercise regimen, or quit smoking. The further along we get, the better we feel and the more resolve we have. It is the same with our walk of faith. Jesus asks us to have faith in him and not simply in miracles. So persevere in your life of faith. If you have not checked out our online subscription on FORMED. org, I encourage you do so. Registration details are in the bulletin. Also, check out Dr. Scott Powell’s talk for the 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, “Miracles and Whispers” in Opening the Word, Year B, Weeks 8-21 on FORMED.org.